Certification Evaluators

Marina started her career in graphic design as a magazine production artist more than 20 years ago. She has experience with various aspects of design -- from UX and UI for automotive industry, and environmental design at Royal Ontario Museum, to infographics for GE Energy. She is currently a Creative Lead and Principal of Pixel Studios where she creates marketing and corporate communication collateral for the financial and pharmaceutical industry. In her spare time, Marina abandons the virtual world of pixels and screens and paints on actual stretched canvases.

Juliana is a committed graphic designer with eight years of experience working with social impact organizations. At Canoa Design, her independent creative consultancy, she uses her problem-solving mind to work with diverse communities and leverage their unique storytelling to develop brand strategies while creating core assets like brand guidelines, reports, digital banners and information graphics with a clean and engaging design. With a highly collaborative disposition, she helps non-profits, social enterprises and environmental organizations show their impact.

I am an Art Director, Graphic Design Consultant, Brand Maintenance Specialist, long-standing member of the RGD, and settler.

With over 25 years’ experience in corporate communications, book publishing and web design, my extensive client list includes universities, property management companies, law firms, not-for-profit agencies, banks, publishing houses and numerous small businesses.

I specialize in ensuring that your brand remains consistent, strong and professional-looking across all your digital and print communications.

As a creative leader with over 20 years of strategic management experience and hands-on expertise in various digital ecosystems and industries, I've built my career by designing insight-based, accessible products and experiences that engage, convert, and retain diverse audiences, ultimately driving organizational growth. Being one of the few UX Master-certified professionals in Canada, I specialize in creating and scaling consistent, cohesive, innovative, and highly usable omni-channel experiences. Notably, I've led the development of multiple company-wide design systems and the XE currency app, which boasts over 80 million installs. Along the way, I've successfully grown and led design teams, fostering collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.

In addition to my professional work, I'm an active Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD) Board Director and Vice Chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee. I conduct portfolio reviews and RGD new member portfolio evaluations. Hosting monthly webinars, I champion accessibility for web and mobile spaces. Additionally, I share my expertise at industry events and teach UX/UI design at the University of Toronto, where I enjoy mentoring and identifying up-and-coming talent.

Gillian is Co-Principal and Creative Director of GOOD Company, a values-forward creative agency specializing in branding, publication design, marketing and digital/website design and development.

She holds a Bachelor of Design from the Alberta University of the Arts (formerly ACAD) and has more than 20 years of direct experience in the graphic design industry. Before co-founding GOOD Company, Gillian worked as a designer at mid-sized corporate firms while committing her skills to local arts organizations in her free time. She has worked on dozens of projects for regional and national non-profits, local grassroots community initiatives, social enterprises, cultural organizations and educational institutions. Client highlights include CCUNESCO, Children First Canada, Calgary Arts Development, to name a few.

Gillian is a member of the Certification Committee with RGD and Calgary’s Mount Royal University’s Industry Advisory Group. Still passionate about the arts, Gillian holds the role of President of JUNO-nominated Land’s End Ensemble.

Elia Kanaki has been creating outstanding user experiences for 20 years. An expert in UX and UI design, he founded ROSSUL in 2003. His passion is finding simple and elegant solutions to the most complex ideas and problems.

Sophie Lacerte is an Art Director at ATB Financial.

I am a passionate designer and art director based in Toronto with over 12 years of experience in the field. My approach to design is to create solutions that communicate a meaningful message. I prioritize typography, respect the grid and ensure that each piece serves a purpose, following the fundamentals of design. My specialties include illustration, lettering and digital campaigns. I take a 360-degree approach to design that focuses on concept development and visual storytelling. I am committed to working with not-for-profit organizations that support women, minorities and marginalized groups. My education in Canada and France has given me a unique perspective that blends international experience with a commitment to enhancing Latin American representation in Canada. My philosophy is to design with a purpose and create work that my clients and their audiences can be proud of. I also specialize in creating vibrant and whimsical murals that transform spaces with joy and colour. My designs are inspired by the rich tapestry of Latin American culture, especially my Colombian roots. I celebrate nature, lettering and wildlife in my designs, fostering community identity and well-being. My aim is to enrich public spaces, making art accessible and enjoyable for all.

I lead design at Creative Currency, leveraging my background in editorial design and branding to lead projects that help organizations tell their stories more effectively, present information more clearly, and engage audiences more deeply. I also serve on the RGD Board of Directors, and volunteer for committees, mentoring, portfolio reviews and more.

I’m a product designer with over 12 years of experience in the design industry. Having worked in a variety of sectors, from creative agencies to major financial institutions like the Bank of Montreal and organizations in the tech sector such as Lever and Loop, I have expertise in creating effective design solutions for complex problems. I am passionate about equity and accessibility, and continually educate myself on these topics to advocate for inclusive design. I am a proponent of always asking “why” in my work, and will never settle for solutions just because they are easy. I’m also an educator and have taught graphic design principles and digital imaging at the post-secondary level for over 7 years.

Victor is the Creative Director at Green Living Enterprises. Having worked in various capacities in the graphic design field, Victor brings almost two decades of invaluable knowledge to the table. He is proud and fortunate to constantly be collaborating with passionate and interdisciplinary people where he gets to create, develop and execute a variety of visual communications all the time. The types of projects he’s involved with include environmental graphics, campaigns, and branding for the ROM, Cineplex, Scotiabank, TD Bank, Toronto Hydro, the Pembina Institute, University of Toronto, Eva’s Initiatives, B Corporation and the Canadian Journalists for Free Expression.

Michael J. Young is a Toronto-based designer, developer, and accessibility specialist. Since 2010, he's been with the Ontario Public Service, developing and overseeing branding and marketing campaigns for the province of Ontario in a small but mighty team of creatives. He's currently pursuing his Masters of Digital Media at Toronto Metropolitan University. Beyond his professional pursuits, Michael enjoys repairing old Macs, honing his culinary skills, and urban exploration via public transit.